Republic Day in Leicester

Nearly 200 NRIs in Leicester came together to celebrate Republic Day at the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre to show their patriotism.

The large minority of Asians of Indian origin in Leicester means that several festivals and national holidays are closely observed and followed there. On Jan 26, nearly 200 people packed into the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre to celebrate the annual event.

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Ramanbhai Barbar, president of the Shree Sanatan Mandir Temple, in Weymouth Street, Belgrave, said it was an important day for all Indians.

"In India, there are huge celebrations with vast parades and thousands of people turning out. It's a bit more low key in Leicester, but still no less important," he said.

Maganbhai Patel, president of the Gujarat Hindu Association, said: "We are citizens of this country and we love this country. But this ceremony also helps us to remember our heritage.

"Many people in Leicester have links to India and this is a way of keeping those links strong."

The event included raising the national flag and singing the Indian national anthem.